Transmission fluid heating via heat exchange with engine cylinder walls
First Claim
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1. A method for lubricating a transmission with transmission fluid, the transmission coupled to a vehicle engine, comprising:
- directing the transmission fluid through a cylinder block adjacent to a cylinder wall while flowing engine coolant through a cylinder head, without fluid flowing through a head gasket interposed between the cylinder head and the cylinder block;
under a first condition, directing the transmission fluid to a heat exchanger; and
under a second condition, bypassing the heat exchanger.
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Abstract
Various systems and method are provided for heating transmission fluid by directing the transmission fluid through a cylinder block of an engine. In one example, the transmission fluid is directed to flow through the cylinder block of the engine while engine coolant is directed to flow through the cylinder head of the engine. Further, the transmission fluid may be directed through one or more heat exchangers to cool the transmission fluid.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A method for lubricating a transmission with transmission fluid, the transmission coupled to a vehicle engine, comprising:
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directing the transmission fluid through a cylinder block adjacent to a cylinder wall while flowing engine coolant through a cylinder head, without fluid flowing through a head gasket interposed between the cylinder head and the cylinder block; under a first condition, directing the transmission fluid to a heat exchanger; and under a second condition, bypassing the heat exchanger. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method for lubricating a transmission with transmission fluid, the transmission coupled to a vehicle engine, comprising:
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directing a flow of transmission fluid through a cylinder block adjacent a cylinder wall and maintained separate from a flow of engine coolant directed only through a cylinder head of the engine; and adjusting a first valve to direct the transmission fluid to flow through a heat exchanger before flowing through the transmission based on an operating condition. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A system for an engine in a vehicle, comprising:
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a cylinder block and a cylinder head with a head gasket interposed therebetween; a transmission lubricated by transmission fluid; a thermostat; a heat exchanger; a control system comprising a computer readable storage medium, the medium comprising instructions for; directing the transmission fluid through the cylinder block and adjacent a cylinder wall, and directing a flow of engine coolant through the cylinder head, with no fluid flow through the head gasket interposed between the cylinder block and cylinder head; and under a first condition, directing the transmission fluid via the thermostat to the heat exchanger; and under a second condition, bypassing the heat exchanger via the thermostat. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19)
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Specification